Friday, November 17, 2006

Training

"That she has trained her children for heaven, rather than for earth, for God, rather than for man--she is the parent that will be considered wise at last. Train with an eye to my children's souls. We are made what we are by training. Our character takes the form of what mold into which our first years were cast. The path of obedience is the way in which He gives blessing. Determine to make your children obey you, though it cost you much trouble, and cost them many tears. Obedience is the only reality. The mark of well-trained children is that they do whatsoever their parents command them - cheerfully, willingly and at once." John Ryle 1888.

This quote is from the girltalk blog. It such a beautiful reminder of what our obligation to Him really is and makes the ordinary and mundane so incredibly powerful and important. To guide them through the path of obedience is sometimes, the most laborious task I have ever attempted. Certainly without His mercy and wisdom it would end in utter failure. I am so incredibly grateful for the Godly wisdom that has been provided to me through his word and the sisters in Christ who mentor to me through that.

This picture of Samuel was taken almost 4 years ago and almost seems like it never happened because that passage of time took place so quickly! Therefore, today I must be certain that I am *training them for heaven* with *an eye on their soul*. It definitely puts a purpose in your morning when you see past the pancakes and realize what we are being held accountable for!


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful! My desires,also. Through God's grace in our lives,we can do this. This post is a wonderful way to begin my morning...focused on what is important in this life! Thanks!

Jenn said...

Sweet pic. Good words. What time did you go to bed and get up? I've got your makeup bag - I'll get it by sometime today!

Amy said...

I have an excellent little booklet called "The Duty of Parents" written by J.C. Ryle. It was reprinted several years ago and our young families Bible study group studied it with our pastor (this was years ago before we had children). The whole message is excellent. In fact, I forgot I owned it. I'll have to dig it out and read it again. I'm sure this quote comes from the same message.

Anonymous said...

I just loved that when I read it on girltalk! It really stirred my soul and gave me some extra energy for the day. I need to read stuff like that every day! I appreciate your thoughts on the subject, too. It is wonderful to be able to "know" other ladies who are likeminded.

BTW, did you guys have a sleepover or something?! NO FAIR!!

Jenn said...

Hey Leslie. ALmost a sleepover - we just stayed late over at a friends' house talking. Kim is notorious for doing her makeup in the car and she left it in there! You should come up and visit sometime and hang out with us - seriously!

Kim said...

Jenn's right :) If applying make-up in the passenger seat was a crime, this momma would be serving a life sentence! Chris has gotten really good at giving me the *heads-up* when we are coming to a stop!

I'm glad that it blessed you guys as it did me. I love sleepovers and especially spending time with likeminded sisters!

Kelly said...

Hey Kim,
I was over at Lifesong and saw your comment about the clips of the movies set to the music "In Christ Alone." It was on my blog on November 13th. Just click on the arrow twice and it will load. Enjoy--I loved it , as well.